Do you know the signs of stroke?
Do you know the signs of stroke?
Peter Dutton MP, the Member for Dickson, is supporting the National Stroke Foundation’s campaign to raise public awareness of the signs of stroke – Australian’s second biggest killer and a leading cause of disability.
Mr Dutton is helping to distribute the Stroke Foundation’s FAST wallet cards during National Stroke Week from September 15.
“FAST is a simple way of remembering the signs of stroke and what to do if you experience them or see the signs in another person,” Peter Dutton said.
FAST stands for Facial weakness, Arm weakness, Speech difficulties, Time to act FAST – calling 000 immediately could prevent death or severe disability.
In 2007, the National Stroke Foundation asked Australians aged over 40 what they knew about stroke and 15 per cent said they did not know any of the signs of stroke.
“I commend the National Stroke Foundation for accepting the challenge to get the FAST message out to 1.3 million Australians.
“It’s an important message because getting the right medical attention as fast as possible could save lives and reduce disability,” Mr Dutton said.
The Chief Executive Officer of the National Stroke Foundation, Dr Erin Lalor, says many Australians do not realise the extent of stoke.
“Not only is it Australia’s second biggest killer but the number of strokes will increase each year as Australia’s population ages unless we can reduce the incidence rate.
“In the next 12 months Australians will suffer nearly 60,000 new and recurrent strokes – that’s one every ten minutes. In the next ten years more than half a million people will suffer a stroke,” Dr Lalor says.
Mr Dutton invited constituents to contact the electorate office on 3205 9977 or 1300 853 640(Esk) to obtain the FAST wallet cards.
